Celebrating Educational Excellence: Cognia Names 60 Schools & Systems of Distinction
At the Academy for GOD, we are passionate about promoting academic excellence and fostering environments that support growth for students, teachers, and leaders alike. This commitment aligns perfectly with the work of our accrediting association: Cognia, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to educational improvement, which recently recognized 60 institutions worldwide as “Schools and Systems of Distinction” for the 2023-2024 year. These schools exemplify top-tier education standards, having excelled through Cognia's rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process.
At the Academy for GOD, we are passionate about promoting academic excellence and fostering environments that support growth for students, teachers, and leaders alike. This commitment aligns perfectly with the work of our accrediting association: Cognia, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to educational improvement, which recently recognized 60 institutions worldwide as “Schools and Systems of Distinction” for the 2023-2024 year. These schools exemplify top-tier education standards, having excelled through Cognia's rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process.
Academy Administration is presented with The Cognia School of Distinction Award by Head of School, Gregg Garner, during a school assembly in October 2024.
The Academy for GOD applauds the selected institutions for achieving this distinction, highlighting their dedication to high-quality education, continuous improvement, and a positive learning environment. Cognia, whose reach extends across 90 countries and serves 40,000 institutions, provides accreditation and certification based on a globally respected framework. This year’s distinguished list of schools includes 41 individual schools and 11 systems across 23 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and eight international schools in five other countries. These 60 institutions were selected from among nearly 2,000 that participated in Cognia's Accreditation Engagement Review process during the 2023-2024 academic year placing the Academy among the top 3% of all 2,000 schools. Furthermore, the Academy is the only school in our state of Tennessee to be recognized.
Cognia’s review process is designed to maintain and elevate educational quality. This thorough evaluation includes a period of self-assessment by the school, an external review by trained evaluators, and an improvement plan based on evaluation outcomes. Schools meeting the Cognia Performance Standards show strong evidence of quality teaching, a supportive school culture, effective leadership, and engaging instructional environments. Achieving Cognia Accreditation means committing to this excellence over time, with reviews conducted every six years to ensure sustained quality.
"Congratulations to the 2024 Schools and Systems of Distinction for demonstrating excellence in education in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards,” remarked Dr. Mark A. Elgart, Cognia's president and CEO. “These institutions are benchmarks of school quality in their commitment to continuous improvement.” Institutions honored this year have shown exceptional educational practices and a commitment to fostering growth, learning, and success among students.
As an organization that values educational advancement, the Academy for GOD is inspired by these institutions’ achievements. The Cognia award reinforces the importance of quality standards, ongoing evaluation, and improvement to ensure students receive the best education possible.
Cognia’s role in educational improvement highlights the significance of institutional dedication to high standards, and these 2024 Schools of Distinction serve as models of what schools can achieve through continuous improvement efforts. They represent a global vision for education that resonates with our mission at the Academy for GOD. Together, we are moving toward a world where all learners are empowered to succeed, and where education is continuously evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s leaders.
For a closer look at this year’s Schools of Distinction and more information on Cognia’s impactful work, visit Cognia's website and explore how these exemplary schools are setting new standards for academic success.
Local Foods For School Grant Recipient
October is National Farm to School Month and our school nutrition program is pleased to announce the results of a recent farm to school grant that we have facilitated during both the 23/24 and through the first two months of the 24/25 school year.
The Local Food for Schools grant was part of the USDA’s program to bring local foods into schools and infuse funding into our local small farming economy. We are thankful that this grant did both! The school nutrition program purchased chicken, beef, turkey as well as some fresh vegetables over the course of the grant duration.
What was the impact of this grant on the menu? We were able to serve close to 3,000 lbs of chicken, almost 1,000 lbs of turkey and nearly 900 lbs of ground beef to our students. This amounts to about 100 meals in which our students had a local meat source on the menu. To put that into perspective the students have 180 days in a single school year. This accumulates to about 80% of their meals having a local protein that was served from August of 2023 through September of 2024.
What was the nutritional impact of this grant? The beef, turkey and chicken served through this time frame was mostly from Pure Pastures, a local small farm. They produce high quality meats that are: Non GMO, ethically raised, no vaccines, no chemicals, no medications, no antibiotics and no animal by-products. Their beef is 100% grass fed which creates a nutrient dense protein.
Grass fed beef tends to be higher in Omega-3 fatty acid, more antioxidants, more vitamin k2 giving more nutrient dense qualities to the beef and in turn the consumer. Pasture raised chicken “contains 50% more vitamin A compared to conventionally raised chicken.” Vitamin K is essential for immune function, vision and overall skin health.
Pasture raised chicken can also be found to have higher levels of iron, higher levels of omega 3 and higher levels of vitamin E. Overall the quality of the meat is greatly increased with pasture raised/grass fed animals. With this grant we were able to infuse our students' diets with high quality proteins and give them the nutrition they need to fuel a wonderful day of learning!
Celebrating 10 Years of School Meals: A Reflection from the Nutrition Supervisor
This year, we proudly celebrate 10 years of our school nutrition program at the Academy for GOD! As we look back on a decade of serving minimally processed, made-from-scratch meals with farm-to-school foods, we reflect on the efforts that have shaped our students' health and futures. Breann Chigumira, our dedicated Nutrition Supervisor, shares her testimony on the impact of this program and the privilege of guiding it from its humble beginnings to what it is today.
This year, we proudly celebrate 10 years of our school nutrition program at the Academy for GOD! As we look back on a decade of serving minimally processed, made-from-scratch meals with farm-to-school foods, we reflect on the efforts that have shaped our students' health and futures. Breann Chigumira, our dedicated Nutrition Supervisor, shares her testimony on the impact of this program and the privilege of guiding it from its humble beginnings to what it is today.
Nourishing the Future
“When the program first started, I knew this was a huge opportunity to impact the health of our students well into their adult years,” shares Breann. “We wanted to shape their eating habits, fuel their days, and expose them to new and healthy foods.”
In 2014, our program began with about 80 students, serving both breakfast and lunch every day. The mission was simple but ambitious: to create meals from scratch, with an emphasis on minimal processing and wholesome ingredients. “We made everything we could in-house, from salmon patties and tartar sauce to pizza dough and sauces. We even cut up whole pineapples to avoid fruits in sugary syrup,” recalls Breann. “The workload was intense, but the goal was always clear: to ensure our students had access to nutritious meals.”
Expert Culinary Leadership
From the outset, our program required a skilled culinary team to execute the vision. Breann served as our Executive Chef in the early years, drawing from her experience in college meal programs. As the program grew, we welcomed Mr. Rafa Reyes, a seasoned chef with over a decade of experience who brought his unique touch to our school menu. Today, our kitchen is led by Mr. John Edmondson, whose impressive background includes roles as the Executive Chef at Dodger Stadium and in 5-star dining. Their expertise and passion have been essential to maintaining the high quality of our meals.
Farm-to-School: A Core Value
Farm-to-school has been a cornerstone of our program since day one. With an on-campus garden, students have had the chance to work in the soil, harvest vegetables, and even pick fruits for their meals. “Seeing students pick lettuce, kale, and tomatoes that end up on their plates is a powerful lesson in sustainability and food origins,” says Breann. Long before the farm-to-school movement gained national momentum and funding, our garden staff were teaching students safe agricultural practices and the value of local food systems.
Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Success
Balancing the demands of creating nutritious meals, adhering to regulations, and working within tight budgets has not always been easy. But as Breann reflects, “The challenge of feeding students excellent meals while meeting all guidelines is tough, but our students are worth it. We truly believe they are benefitting from years of learning healthy habits.”
Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we are grateful for everyone who has contributed to the success of this program—from our Founder and Head of School, Gregg Garner, to dedicated kitchen staff to our farm-to-school educators, and of course, our students who inspire us every day. The hundreds of thousands of meals we've served over the past decade are a testament to our commitment to their well-being.
A Decade in Photos: From Elementary to Senior Year
Below, you’ll find photos that capture the journey of our students with their school lunches—from their earliest elementary years to now, as some prepare to graduate as seniors. These images reflect not just the growth of the students, but the evolution of a program that has fed bodies, minds, and futures for the past ten years.
We are proud of how far we've come and look forward to continuing to nourish our students for years to come!
“We Walk by Faith”: The ‘24-25 Academy Theme
Written by Academy for GOD Director of Education, Mr. Craig Duffy
This year’s theme at the Academy for GOD is “ We Walk by Faith”. Although the wording comes from 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 this concept can be found across the Biblical canon. At the Academy, we use themes to direct and focus the student body as well as the faculty who are responsible for facilitating our educational program. The purpose of this communication is to bring you, the parents, family, and stakeholders, an understanding of this theme and a few ways to support the students off campus.
This concept of ‘walking by faith’ is not in a vacuum. Paul is referencing a preexisting greco-roman value, one that permeated the thriving city of Corinth. The Corinthian motto was “We walk by what we see”. This sits in the wider context of the rise of rational Greek philosophy. What can be seen, observed, and tested, (think early empiricism) is considered safe to ground a perspective of reality upon. Though a powerful form of categorizing and evaluating observable natural phenomena, it is limited to the world of human senses. Paul interjects and proposes a more appropriate motto for the believers in Corinth. We walk according to our faith, not according to our sight.
Academy Founder, Mr. Gregg Garner, teaches on 2 Corinthians 5:7 during the first K-12 assembly of the '24-25 school year.
The tension of sight is significantly addressed at many points in scripture. For this brief article I will reference the first and perhaps most popular instance: The dilemma of Eve and her eyes. The story goes that as God walks toward Adam and Eve, he finds that their eyes have been opened and through an education not of his design (Genesis 3:7). By this we understand that Adam and Eve did not inherently have the sight that God intended, that is, man was made with a dependence on God to learn, to be educated.
We can start to understand why Paul would have an issue with the Corithian motto. Our eyes are not enough to formulate the way in which we should live life and decide what is right and wrong. Our sense of sight has to be informed by the word of God, his way, his walk, his instruction. Simply put, God has to be the one to open our eyes so that we can walk within his intended way.
Faith according to Paul in his letter to the Romans “comes by hearing, hearing the word of God”. Hebrews 11:1 says “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the overriding principle by which the child of God understands and makes decisions within the world they live, and is not based on what can be sensed with our eyes. This is where we partner with God at the Academy.
This year, we aim to direct the focus of our student body on the building of faith. To help them reach conclusions that are based on faith instead of sight. That they can lean into and trust God’s word more than their own senses. That they can trust God more than what they can understand through their own senses and experience. This is a formidable task, it is the work of God. To complete the eyes of humanity. Join us this year as we train the sight of our students into seeing and believing the word of God above all other forms of education and experiences. Ask them open-ended questions about their day and listen for faith in their responses. If you find none, adjust their eyes by opening God’s word together, and help them to walk by faith.
For more biblical teaching on this year’s theme, watch our parent orientation where Academy Founder, Gregg D. Garner, expounds on the idea and how it will impact this school year.
Welcome to 2024-2025 at the Academy for GOD
Welcome to the Academy for GOD for the 2024-2025 school year! With our 12th year ahead, we are pleased to announce some new developments that promise to make this school year even more special. This year marks a significant milestone for us, as we have recently attained accreditation with Cognia and gained approval to become an ESA school in the state of Tennessee. This means that we can now offer educational savings accounts, providing students the opportunity to attend private school with greater financial flexibility.
We continue to provide a diverse range of educational programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Whether you are interested in our campus or homeschool programs, we offer something for everyone. Our hybrid options allow for a blend of on-campus and home learning, while our umbrella services provide support for families choosing to homeschool independently. Additionally, our remote learning program ensures that students can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location or context.
We understand that our students are coming back from a variety of summer experiences. From family vacations to mission trips and service opportunities, each student brings unique experiences and perspectives into the new school year. To help ease the transition from summer break to the academic year, we dedicate the first two weeks back to acclimating students into the school environment. These initial weeks are crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the semester and the entire school year.
Parents, here are some ways to help your student prepare for a successful start to the new school year:
1. Establish a Routine: Start reintroducing a school-day routine a few days before school begins. This helps students adjust their sleep schedules and get back into the habit of structured days.
2. Set Goals: Encourage your student to set academic and personal goals for the year. Whether it's improving grades, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can motivate and guide them (and you!).
3. Reflect on Summer Experiences: Take some time to discuss what your student learned or experienced over the summer. This reflection can help them integrate those experiences into their school life.
4. Get Involved: Encourage your student to explore the various extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the Academy for GOD. Participation in these activities can enhance their school experience and foster a sense of community.
5. Stay Connected: Open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, and fellow parents. Staying connected will help you stay informed and engaged in your student's education.
As we begin this new school year, we are excited to see the growth and achievements that will come. The Academy for GOD is committed to providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Let's make this year the best one yet!
Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic school year!